The head of a new US House select committee on China returned earlier this week from a secret four day visit to Taiwan. That’s according to a report published on Wednesday from US newspaper the Washington Post.
The post reports that Representative Mike Gallagher met with top Taiwanese leaders during his trip. Those include President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) as well as top national defense and intelligence officials.
Gallagher says Taiwanese leaders consistently voiced frustration over delayed weapons deliveries. He says the best way to prevent a Chinese attack is by arming Taiwan, increasing the cost of an invasion.
Gallagher said that he intends to hold a committee hearing on Taiwan before summer and provide the findings to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He said this might better inform the speaker on if and how he should make a visit to Taiwan.
Presidential Office spokesperson Kolas Yotaka on Thursday thanked Gallagher for his visit and said Taiwan will always welcome international friends visiting the country.